Frequent Questions

HOW DO I RENEW MY LICENSE? Beginning September 1, 2013 those with a LTC in need of renewals need not take a class or shoot proficiency. To renew, simply go online at the Texas DPS website for Handgun Licenses and follow the directions. Although a class is NOT required to renew, many take the LTC class to make certain they understand the current laws and to refresh themselves on safety principles. Feel free to join for the classroom and/or proficiency to verify your competence in these areas. Again, NOT required to renew but highly suggested.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF LTC CLASS? To be fully in compliance with the State of Texas, class for a new license must be between 4-6 hours long. This time does not include Range Qualification that normally takes at least one hour. At The Gun Zone class starts sharply at 7:45 am and ends at approximately 1:30 PM for new license participants. One should plan to arrive no later than 7:40.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY CHL CLASS AT THE GUN ZONE? LTC classes are comprised of classroom and Range Qualification portions as required by the State of Texas. First, the classroom portion covers the necessary rules, statutes and laws surrounding the right to carry a concealed handgun in Texas. In our classroom we will explore the use of force, safe storage of guns, non-violent dispute resolution the safe use of a gun.

Range Qualification involves firing 50 rounds at a non-moving target in an attempt to score 175 points out of total possible 250. The LTC Instructor will carefully explain range safety rules, expectations and qualification requirements before the class adjourns to the range. The Gun Zone range has eight (8) shooting bays to allow multiple students to shoot at the same time for Qualification. The Instructor will call out how many shots to fire for each sequence and only that number of shots will be fired by the participants.

WHAT ARE THE SHOOTING REQUIREMENTS?Every student, whether original or renewal applicant, is required to shoot and will “Range Qualify” with a total score of 175 out of a possible 250. Each student shoots a total of 50 shots with a potential score of five points per shot. For a complete description of the shooting requirements visit www.texasgunschool.com and click on “LTC CLASS” then “Range Qualification.”

WHAT KIND OF GUN SHOULD I SHOOT?Students may chose between semi-automatic and revolvers. Your Texas LTC will not restrict you to either as a result of your choice on the day you qualify. With a valid Texas license, you may chose to carry either a semi-automatic OR a revolver.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR A LICENSE?The State of Texas lists the eligibility requirements on its website. For details regarding eligibility, go to the link that follows and read from the State of Texas site: https://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/LTC/faqs/index.htm.

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SHOOT BEFORE CLASS?No. Many who sit through the classroom portion do not yet know how to shoot a gun. But, one must learn to handle a gun safely and shoot with proficiency prior to taking the Range Qualification portion. LTC classes are not designed to teach gun use-only test for proficiency. Should a person need lessons there are teachers available through the Gun Zone. If help is needed learning to shoot contact Jerry Johnson at 214-704-3329 or by email to jerry@texasgunschool.com.

DO I NEED TO ALREADY OWN A GUN?No. A person does not have to own a firearm to attend class or to Range Qualify. For your Range Qualification you may borrow or rent a handgun as long as you feel you are proficient in its use prior to Range Qualification. As stated earlier, Range Qualification is the time to demonstrate your ability to use a handgun proficiently-not the time to learn how to shoot. You must be able to safely load and fire you gun without assistance.

DO I HAVE TO APPLY TO THE STATE FIRST BEFORE TAKING THE CLASS?No. We recommend you wait until you take the LTC class before you go online to apply. If you incorrectly complete the application it can dramatically delay the issuance of your license. We prefer to walk you through the online portion in class to prevent any problems.

WILL I NEED PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS?No. The rules have changed and now allow those with Texas driver licenses or Texas ID's to use the photograph on file with the Texas DPS as the required photograph for your LTC. We now simply make a note on the LTC-6 form to “Use My Texas DL Picture” and not submit photographs. If your appearance has dramatically changed since your Texas DL photograph was taken, you may elect to submit two updated passport photographs. Those will be taken by The Gun Zone on the day of class.

WILL I NEED FINGERPRINTS?Yes. IdentoGO is the only authorized electronic fingerprinting service recognized by the State for your LTC application. We will explain how to go about scheduling and gaining your fingerprints in class. In the meantime it is important that you do NOT attempt to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting until you have completed the online application process.

IF I GET A LTC, AM I REQUIRED TO CARRY A GUN?Absolutely not! For many the choice to actually carry a firearm is not something they have prepared to do. However, attending class is the smart way to begin the process of learning about the laws, requirements and decisions that encircle the choice to carry.

DO I NEED A LTC TO HAVE A GUN IN MY HOME OR CAR?No. The great State of Texas allows the participant to have a gun in your home, RV, watercraft and property you own or control as long as the handgun remains "out of plain view." Certain stipulations apply and are fully discussed in class.

IS MY TEXAS LTC GOOD IN ANY OTHER STATE(S)?Yes. Through reciprocity agreements, a valid Texas LTC permits license holders to have a concealed handgun in many other states. However, while in those states one MUST obey their laws and not those of Texas. To see the latest map of reciprocity, visit the State DPS website at www.txdps.state.tx.us/RSD/CHL/legal/reciprocity.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH STATES WE HAVE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT WITH TODAY?Follow this link to the the Texas Regulatory Affairs website to search for specific states that allow reciprocity with Texas license holders:

http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/LTC/Legal/Reciprocity/index.htm
ARE LICENSES FROM OTHER STATES ALLOWED FOR CARRY IN TEXAS?Be very careful here to understand the rules. If you are a resident of Texas, you may have a license from another state IN ADDITION to your Texas license. But, you may NOT carry in Texas, if you are a resident, with ONLY a license from another state.
For those non-residents visiting Texas, licenses that fall under the Texas reciprocity agreements MAY be allowed to carry their handguns in Texas with a license from their home state.
I’M READY TO TAKE A CLASS. WHAT NOW?Call The Gun Zone at 214-388-2677 to reserve your spot in class. Still have questions? Call Jerry Johnson, LTC Instructor, at 214-704-3329.

WHAT DO I BRING TO CLASS?Participants will need to provide the following on the day of class:

Handgun and 50 rounds of quality ammunition (no reloads) IF one is going to attempt to Range Qualify on the day of class

Bag or case for your gun. You may NOT bring a gun into class or the range that is not contained in a secure bag. NO LIVE AMMO IN THE CLASSROOM for safety reasons.